Lous. Portrait intervened by the artists., 2022

Cristian Hunter   Emerging artists

From the series Lous and The Yakuza Acrylic and oil wax on fine art paper 255 grs. Image size: 20.6 in H x 15.7 in W Unframed 

This artwork was created by the artistic duo Hunter & Gatti (2010–2023). These works are part of the archive managed and exhibited by Cristian Hunter. The artist's technique consists of the use of two prints, the first print is the original photography, and the second print is a blurry version of the image printed on glass. The glass version of the picture is shattered with an iron tool to be able to control the rupture. The artists glued the glass parts on top of the original picture, creating a blurred effect. The artists explore even further the infinite possibilities of transformation by turning something as temporary as a fashion editorial, into something completely different and original; a unique piece of art.  

Cristian Hunter’s work starts from that belief. His photographs —created over a solid international career— are not mere documents, but open territories where painting, texture, and gesture expand photography into new dimensions of meaning. Hunter explores how an image can shift in meaning over time—how context, memory, and manual intervention can transform what was once captured into something newly revealed. Each piece is an invitation to look again, to uncover what lies beneath the visible. Guided by the premise that “nothing stays still,” he works from his personal archive, reinterpreting it, giving new life to what was once lived, and breaking the linear flow between past and present. His lens has captured renowned figures such as Pharrell Williams, Penélope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Ewan McGregor, Lalisa Manoban, Adria Arjona, and Bruno Mars, among many others. Yet his focus goes beyond portraiture—what truly interests him is what remains when the image stops being literal and begins to emerge as a living object. His current body of work includes both new pieces and selected artworks from the artistic legacy of Hunter & Gatti, which he now manages. These are duly credited as “ created by Hunter & Gatti,” presented alongside his personal practice and establishing a dialogue between history, transformation, and contemporary gaze. His work has been exhibited in cities such as Barcelona, New York, and Miami, and reflects a visual practice grounded in experience, exploration, and ongoing evolution. 

This is a project together with Louis Vuitton and the stylist Carine Roitfeld and Madame Figaro, starring the Belgian singer Lous and the Yakuza. All the looks Lous is wearing are designed by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton, for his part, is interested in the uncertain ground between the past, present, and future. “I like the figure of a vampire who travels through the ages, adapting to dress codes of the era”. Hunter & Gatti celebrates with color the powerful energy of Lous and The Yakuza. The “dots” symbolize the presence of the artist's photography eye and mind coming to grips with the world via an extended hand and brush beyond the photography.

This striking artwork captures the back profile of a person with intricately braided hair, styled into neat cornrows and a long, singular braid. The use of vivid pink and purple hues dominates the image, creating an ethereal, dreamlike quality. A patterned overlay of dots cascades across the canvas, adding depth and texture. The smooth, reflective surface of the subject's leather jacket contributes a contrasting sheen, complementing the matte finish of the skin tones. The subtle play of light and shadow emphasizes the contours of the head, highlighting the precise details in the braiding. Earrings add a touch of metallic elegance, subtly catching the light. The overall composition is balanced and harmonious, merging realism with an abstract, almost surreal atmosphere. This artwork stands out for its bold use of color, intricate detailing, and the seamless blending of different visual textures.